Kacey Humphries did not originally pursue a career in teaching, but the influence of her grandmother – and a random observation – eventually led her down a pathway that has resulted in her serving as the head of the Brownwood High School Science Department.
“My grandmother raised me, I lived with her the majority of my childhood, and she was a seventh and eighth grade science teacher,” Humphries said. “I’ve always loved science and I remember when I was a kid I would go into her science room, she taught at Jim Ned for Lord knows how many years, and she’d have all the little specimens in jars. I remember my sister and I were fascinated by those specimens.”
Humphries’ love for science led to her pursuing a Biology/Chemistry major in college, but a chance encounter changed the trajectory of her career.
“I never thought about being a teacher growing up, teaching is not my degree field or pathway,” said Humphries, who stated her mother also teaches science. “I was putting myself through college waiting tables, and a lady approached me that had become one of my regulars and asked me what I was majoring in. I told her and she told me that I might be what they were looking for as far as a long-term sub. She told me I should apply, and that was at Coleman and I ended up teaching at Coleman for five years. It was one of those things you accidentally fall in to and end up loving it.”
After spending five years at Coleman, Humphries – a 2004 Brownwood High School graduate – returned to her alma mater, where she has worked the last seven years, including the last four-plus as the Science Department head.
As for how she became the Science head, Humphries said, “They were looking for someone who demonstrated good leadership skills, who wanted the position. It does have a lot of extra meetings you have to attend and things of that nature. But they were looking for someone willing to step up and be the spokesperson for the science block.”
Humphries also serves as the Forensic Science Teacher at BHS and this past year taught Chemistry for the first time after beginning her time in Brownwood as a Biology teacher.
“Every five years it’s like I get bored and need to change something up,” Humphries said with a laugh.
Case in point, Humphries has also added the role of Lionette sponsor to her tasks for the 2024-25 school year.
The most rewarding aspect of her job, Humphries said, “is seeing the ‘aha’ moments and the kids’ faces light up when they finally understand or learn something new. I want to be able to pique an interest in students that makes them want to drive to do something productive in their lives.”
Regarding the importance of having a vital role in the lives of her students, Humphries said, “You’re not going to reach them all by any means, but if you’re not making an impact on somebody’s life in some sort of way, you’re not doing your job right.”
Humphries graduated from Texas State Technical College with an Associate Degree in computer information, Howard Payne University with a double major in Biology and Chemistry, while minoring in English, and the University of Texas at Arlington with a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Science.
She and her husband Troy have two children, son Boudy and daughter Pixi.
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BrownwoodNews.com will highlight one Brown County educator per day in the month of July, based on nominations received on our Facebook page, for our Teacher Feature series.
